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Everything posted by dylanphan

Okay, I sat out the first few weeks to watch some games and get a feel for things. Trust me when I saw the eyes lie, but I think I get too antsy early in the season and press but after just seeing how things play out I get a better feel for teams.
Fulham/Watford o2.5 (-115)
Watford a bit of shock here sitting near top of the table and just one loss to United, a game they did not play that poorly. Watford a sneaky counter attacking team and they average at 2gpg. Fulham not much to lose in this one, no reason for them not to attack. I really think both teams score in this one and it wouldn't shock me to see Fulham get a win here, but I played it a bit more to the vest and just go for goals.
Burnley DNB +115
Burnley sitting bottom of the table here, and just got steam rolled last game out @ wolves. They absolutely need points here and have an opponent much more on their level. Their two home games so far have been vs United and the aforementioned Watford, this is a game Burnley desperately need a result. I'm getting plus odds for DNB play on a home side against an opponent on par, that's too good to pass up.
Cardiff/City pass
All due respect Stevie Day, but this is a bad matchup here for Cardiff. City coming off a very disappointing CL result, I can see a game that gets out of hand. I can't see Cardiff wanting to open up, and I'm not laying this kind of handicap on the road but a 0-4 result would not surprise me at all. I think Cardiff will do well to get away with an 0-2 result, but I've no interest getting involved in this game.
Crystal Palace/Newcastle draw +260
Newcastle have 1 point after 5 games here and are another desperate side. So soon we forget what CP lost what their first 7 matches last year and did not get relegated? Newcastle cannot well afford this kind of start, so I do expect a strong performance. Quite honestly I see this as a tight fought match where Newcastle need a win, but an away draw will suit them fine. CP with just 4 goals in 5 matches, and their wins are against a newly promoted Fulham and a bottom dwellar in Huddersfield, a point for both sides I think will be good.
Leicesters/Huddersfield o2 (-145)
This one was tough to hit submit. Every Leicester game gets goals. Huddersfield is going to want to play compact. In the end I decided with the home side going for goals we'd have a better chance of getting to 3 (or 4) then not getting any. I think Huddersfield wants to get a result here too, so 1-1 wouldn't surprise me, but that would at least get me the push.
Liverpool/Southampton pass
Hard pass here. Pool playing against their feeder club, coming off a huge CL win, sitting at a perfect 5-0 start to the premier league season, at home. All arrows point to massive home win. Well, a) I hate Liverpool, b) I cannot stand Liverpool and c) there is no chance in hell I'm ever laying 2 goals with a team I am rooting against.
United/Wolves o2.5 (-120)
Wolves here is a massive dog, but no way in hell should they be. Have you seen Wolves play? They've been wonderful. Should have had at least a half dozen last game vs Burnley. Their last three matches are two wins and a draw, the draw vs City. That's top notch. Now, United do come in brimming with confidence too, winning their last three. But let's face it, Burnley, Young Boys and Watford not exactly world beaters, and they were not that impressive vs Watford. but United is at home, without any major injury concerns, and Mourinho a bit under the gun still as they are sitting mid-table early, that's the only reason I am not taking the near +550 for away win. I do fancy goals here as both teams should score and probably a home win.
g'luck

Very tricky fixture today at Old Trafford. After a pragmatic, 0-0, negative football draw at Sevilla, United not in the best of spots here. Sevilla get a goal and United need score 2 to advance which could be very difficult proposition.
But, I am going to try not to overthink this one too much. Sevilla a good side, but honestly United much much better.
The only team to come into the Theater of Dreams and come away with a victory since January 2016 has been Man City. Not a single other visitor has won there. Sevilla does not offer the same kind of threat that City does by any means. United is not going to win the league this year. However, a Champions League win would be a massive boost here and really a feather in Mourinho's cap. I can't see United not advancing and even though the is a bit steep, I'll go with United -165 to win (Extra time and pk's are such a crap shoot,I think they really need to win in regular time). I'll also take a shot with exact score of United 2-1 at +625

Okay lads, I'm gonna make this write up the night before the match here in the states, and I'll also preface this by stating I'm a United supporter big time. I generally don't like to send bets in before I see lineups, but I'll do my best to prognosticate this match beforehand.
There is no love loss between these two teams for sure. And I'm also fairly sure that both coaches know that neither side is catching City this year for the premier league title, so a top 4 spot is a key consideration.
Liverpool's form has been top notch. Not only in the PL, but easing through the CL with a resounding thumping of Porto. All in all this has to be marked down as a great season for Liverpool, because let's face it, other than Arsenal can any big club in England have a sadder recent history? A league cup in 2012, an FA cup in 2006, this team is starved for silverware. But Klopp come in and this team is really fun to watch. Salah, Firmino, Sane, all fantastic in my eyes. This team has a realistic shot of making semi's in CL and top 3 in premier league. Few more pieces and well, they may challenge for another cup title real soon.
But, United are not going to lose tomorrow at OT. Mourinho been fantastic against top 6 sides in England this year and I see no reason for this game to be different. United missing a few players, sure, but other than Martial I think we'll see a top side out there. It's true that United have Sevilla to deal with mid week, but this is an early Saturday game, and the next game isn't till Tuesday and its at United. In fact, United don't need leave Manchester until end of April ffs. Next 4 games at home, and then their road game is City, so that's 6 weeks in Manchester. Rest/travel is not going to be an issue. Sanchez has had a few games now under his belt with his new teammates, so I'm certainly hoping that will help him acquaint himself better because hes been pretty terrible, but with Martial not in the squad, he'll have the left all to himself now. Lukaku in the middle, Rashford on the right maybe and Pogba getting the ball forward. Look, United gonna at the very least draw here and frankly I think they win outright. Only team I wouldn't back United to get points from at OT is City and Liverpool is not City
United pk +101
United to win +194

Waiting on lineups here to finalize bets, but on the early matches:
AC Milan/Arsenal under 2.5 seems a good bet for me. Arsenal relying on Welbeck to score, well, enough said. AC Milan have a plenty solid side and I'm sure will be pleased to not allow a road goal here. 1-0, 2-0 result seems right.
I do really like Marseille to get a result at home too. If Aduriz is absent, this will be a bet from me for sure.
CSKA/Lyon under 2.5 seems another good one, especially if Fekir is out for Lyon.
Generally speaking, when I like unders, expect plenty of goals.
Will try to stop by later on thoughts for the second wave of matches.

It would be a bit of a shock result if Toronto don't advance, at home, with the return of Giovinco and Altidore. A road draw was a good result for them. That being said, Columbus went into Atlanta which boasts a tremendous home field advantage, and advance through them on PK's. Columbus always undervalued and I'd suggest a play on them on a handicap or else under on total goals as I don't expect an open game again.
Seattle has the other tie in a virtual death grip, with a road win and 2 road goals, and returning to home with one of the most significant home field advantages in MLS. They have a full squad to choose from. They were firmly in control of the first leg, with an early goal and then Houston went down a man, it wasn't much of a match really. Obviously Houston will need to attack to get at least 2 goals to advance. Seattle will really have no need to do much other then control possession and counter if need be. This is pretty much worst case scenario for Dynamo as they are a fast moving attacking side that love to strike on the counter. I don't see many opportunities for them here, however that will not dissuade me from taking a shot on the road team to win at 5.00 or better. The only thing that gives me some pause is I have absolutely no faith in the Houston back line, but still I'm not going to back a home side that needs nothing more than a draw or lose by more than a goal to advance. Should be a snooze fest unless Houston is able to get an early goal.

All four home sides are pretty heavily favored as to be expected. My initial thoughts as I generally wait till much closer to kickoff before sending in any bets
Vancouver blew a beautiful opportunity at home in the first leg to get a result. They had to know Seattle was punch less, but they came out as under inspiring themselves, afraid to allow a road goal. That's pretty disappointing as I think you should always play for the win. Seattle will get two huge boosts, first their massive home crowd. And then they should have a few players that may be available and of course Dempsey off suspension. A bit strange they play this one 2 full days before the other games. Anyway, I think this one should be another dull, drab affair like the pacific northwest - look to the under if anything.
I don't think Toronto is going to lose at home, barring something very dodgy. But, being that they already have the win and two away goals in their back pocket, I'm not sure how open they will play either. Very well would be happy with a draw and rest some guys late. Again, another low scoring affair more than likely, but I would give a slight nod to Toronto at -135 or better simply because Giovinco such a threat on any set piece.
Other two games have much more interest to me.
The first leg of the Columbus/NYFC was a real cracker, and if you didn't watch the game, do not let the 4-1 scoreline fool you. NY played down a man most of the 2h and blew at least 2 golden opportunities in the 1h, including a rare David villa sitter he racked off the post. That being said, Columbus has been impressive in that they advance at Atlanta and then came home where they enjoy a nice home field crowd and just played open and free soccer against NY, netting 4. That last one really was a big goal, because NY could have advance with a 2-0 home result, but the late late goal really puts the burden on NY to open up. NY home field is smallish, and could clog things up a bit, but I'll be honest, I think we get a home win and at least 3 goals in this one. NY 3-1 seems about right, so put me on the home side at -135 or better as well as a touch on the handicap as I think they win by 2. IF you only watch one MLS game this weekend, this should be the one.
Houston also played uncharacteristically tentative at home in the first leg. But, a few notes. First they had a 1h pk overturned by video assistant. That could have really turned the game. Second Houston is without two first choice defenders in DelaGarza and Leonardo, so they couldn't open things up too much as a road goal may have spelled curtains. They are starting Phllipe Sendeross (yes, that Sendeross) as their main CB and he's about as agile as a rocking chair. Plus he got hit with an early yellow so really had to watch himself. The Houston defense is going to get abused in this leg and it's going to get ugly. Portland is a fast team, and play on an artificial, slick surface at home where they really play uptempo. And while the Houston mf and forwards to like to press and play a higher tempo game, well, there are goign to be a lot of opportunities for Portland to take advantage of this if they get caught. Honestly, Portland wins here easy, 3-0.

Here are my thoughts on today's matches.
I cannot see backing Koln today, especially at very short odds. They are bottom of the Bundelisga with 2 points in 10 games, and only scored 4 goals in those 10 games. Surviving relegation is goal 1a and 1b for this club right now and anyone with any type of knock needs to be sat. Team came into the campaign with high hopes, and have thoroughly disappointed. Opening Europa league fixture at Arsenal saw thousands of Koln fans 'invade' the Emirates and brought a huge atmosphere with them. Unfortunately, the fans do not play the game, and the team lost 1-3. Since that time it's been loss after loss after loss. Koln is a decent defensively shaped team and are difficult to break down, but if you don't score goals yourself, it doesn't matter. I will be all over the visitors today and find Bate at +0.5 at +120 to be a great bet.
As luck would have it this weekend Koln face Hoffenheim in Bundlesiga. Hoffenheim is a team I do fancy, they play a nice brand of soccer (yes, I'm American), but again were just shy of Champions League play and got knocked down to Europa League. I think their focus must be on the league again however this is a group up for grabs for them and they are probably the best team in this group. The knocked around Istanbul first leg, but Hoffenheim play a much better game at home than on the road. Istanbul has had a nice start to the season in Super League play, although they do sit at the bottom of the group here. If anything I think Hoffenheim can get a few goals here, and I would play over 2.5, but small bet only.
Lazio is playing some great offensive soccer, and this is a classic matchup of a team in great form vs a team in disappointing form. Both teams are pretty safe to advance, but in this case, I am happy laying the handicap of -1 here with Lazio at -120 odds.
Those are my three plays for today.

I love Vancouver tonight at +142. They have to be brimming with confidence after the drubbing of SJ last match out in an elimination match. I think they should come in with that same attitude tonight, as they really do need a result before going to the return fixture at Seattle which enjoys one of the best home field advantages in the league, if not the very best.
They have the added advantage of being able to face a very banged up Seattle team, also without their emotional leader in Dempsey who picked up a stupid red last match out. Seattle may well play for a scoreless draw as their offense should be completely impotent.
And while a draw will not kill Vancouver here, You're getting a great price on a motivated home side playing a sub-optimal opponent. If you can't pull the trigger on this one, shouldn't be gambling in my opinion.

Vancouver is definitely worth a bet at -125 or so. SJ is terrible and on the road this season boasted a lofty 11 goals for vs 39 goals against. Anything can happen in knock out round for sure, but this one seems to be a banker
I also do like Houston against SKC a bit too at +122, just a few things to keep in mind here. This will be the third time these two teams have met in the past 2 weeks. The first match was at Houston and it really was a must win for Houston. They did, but on a late own goal against in what was a very even match. BUT, this game came just after the international break and both teams were missing a number of key players. The next game was at KC and Houston really only needed a point to secure a playoff spot. They were vastly outplayed here, but this was expected as they were happy to end with a 0-0 game. So, this may lead you to go with a well coached, very well formed defensive away team. But, Houston enjoys playing at home where they had the best conference home record (just 1 loss in 17 games) and a robust 43-17 goal differential. This will also be the first playoff game for Houston since 2013 so I expect a strong performance and a home win.
In the east I expect goals galore in Atlanta. so that is an easy over play.
Chicago and NYRB is really a toss up in my eyes. I'd probably take the higher odds with the road side and maybe a touch on the draw if you want to play this one.

You may well be right. Honestly, I could see Mourinho not even starting Mata here and playing Blind and Herrera
I don't think Young will feature tbh. I could see something like
DDG
Valencia-Bailly-Jones-Blind
Herrera-Matic
Rashford - Miky - Martial
Lukaku
Either way, I cannot not see a few goals here and am quite shocked over is so low. I know United has a great defense but they have played quite a few offensively challenged teams to start the league (Palace, Everton, Southampton, Leicester, West Ham, Swansea and Stoke - these teams have combined for just 22 goals between them in their last 35 games combined ffs).
I'll take a strong play at BTTS tomorrow morning at -140. Really think this will hit before HT.

This for me too pretty strong.
Pool always attacking at Anfield and averaging 2gpg including of course 4 vs Arsenal. And while you may think that 4 is skewing the average, they had 35 attempts vs Burnley and 21 vs Crystal Palace, could have easily scored 2-3 more in either contest.
United is without Fellaini and Carrick, so they will probably opt to play Blind in the defensive mf role. And while Blind is very good, he is very different player. I have to think United will also feature Herrera and Mata with Pogba out, with Herrera and Blind tasked with running all over the pitch, while Mata will lead the attack. Game may not be wild open, but with the firepower that both sides have in the likes of Rashford, MArtial, Lukaku, Firmino, Countinho, Sturridge, I mean it's just hard not to see plenty of chances.
I'll probably play 1h over too depending on lineups and I think if we can get 1 before 20', we can easily see 3-4 in this game.

Here are a few thoughts for you to chew on in the days ahead. In years past, things really start tightening up the last few fixtures as teams are vying for playoff spots/positioning. This year the same can be said in the Western conference, as with 2 games remaining, 6 points separate 7 teams from spots 2-8, with two of those missing out on the playoffs.
Houston picked up a massive 3 points at home last night with a late own goal and their next game is away to the team they just beat, KC. A draw would honestly suit both of these teams just fine, and both teams will be bolstered by the return of a number of national players that were out on qualifying. This game will almost assuredly be an UNDER 2.5 play for me, with a sprinkle on the draw line.
Along those lines, Unders also in Seattle and Vancouver games too.
The east is a bit more open up with all playoff positions settled up. But, a few nice games this weekend for goals. Toronto/Montreal is always a tough fought match and I see no reason why Montreal will sit back here. This one should have goals in it. Chicago/Philly game is another I'll be looking at goals. Lastly NYRB and Atlanta could have potential for a lot of goals, however, both teams may be inclined to rest some key players for the playoffs here.
I almost always check for lineups before sending in anything big,but those are the games I would lean to play.

Atlanta on the road Saturday and Almiron is knicked up so no play there. BUT, if he gets back healthy, play overs and ATL on 10/3 with both fists full as this should be a banker for sure.
Toronto and NYRB should have some goals in it, but honestly need to see lineups as Toronto missing some key players and with playoffs around the corner, don't see much need to rush them back.
For me there are two plays this weekend
Chicago Fire already down to +106 as opposed to the +120 posted at opening and rightfully so. Fire this year really turned things around and are a playoff team. With an 11-2-2 home record against a NYCFC team that really just has a bunch of big names and isn't that great, no reason to not play them getting + money here.
Other play will be o3 in the Houston/Minnesota game. Houston only lost 1x at home all year and coming off a very disappointing draw vs LA Galaxy midweek, they will need this game to get in the playoffs for sure. Houston plays a very attacking aggressive style and at home they are always particularly good for goals averaging over 2.5 gpg. Meanwhile Minnesota are not particularly defensive stalwarts on the road where they allow over 2.5 gpg to the home side themselves. So we have a good home offensive team and two weak defensive teams, this line up to see a 3-2, 4-2 type game

Oh, Atlanta home games overs are bankers.
I'll see if I can find any more tips for this week - couple games with some playoff implications make things a bit trickier than normal, but As of now, definitely playing over in the Atlanta/Montreal game.

Atlanta/New England o3 (-120)
This one is worth a punt in my eyes for certain. Atlanta had it's first match in the new stadium this past weekend against Dallas and they without a doubt could have put 6 in the net themselves. They had a PK denied by the dreaded Video Assistant. They hit 2 posts and a crossbar. They were absolutely flying around this new pitch.
They had a packed stadium on a Sunday, the same time that the Atlanta Falcons NFL team is playing. It's very hard to describe how rabid this fanbase is - although the new stadium did drown out the crowd a bit.
I'd even be tempted to play Atlanta on the handicap on this one if you're so inclined, but seemingly whenever i play a team laying a goal or more, they always seem to botch something at the end of the game, call it a jinx if you will.

Alright lads, time for some winners. Very happy with the results yesterday - I'm a United supporter so no money put down, just enjoy a win. Today we'll need to have some good financial results.
I do believe Spurs get a result today so I will play them for the win at +125 (1 unit to win 1.25).
I also am playing RB Lepzig/Monaco o1 (First half) -140 (1.40 to make 1.00). This is going to be a huge match for the German squad and I think they will come out all guns blazing as they really do love attacking. This will also play into Monaco's hands a bit as they are a good counter attacking squad. I really have a hard time NOT seeing goals in this one, and the way I like to play these is a First half bet to get to two goals. Odds are a touch higher than I would have preferred to play them, but I can see this drifting even higher. Both teams should be at full strength, should be a cracker here.
Feyenoord +550 (first half). (1.00 to make 5.50) This is simply a spite bet on a line I feel is totally disrespectfully for the home side. Now I know Eredivise rates significantly lower than the premier league, but if you haven't been paying attention you'd think Feyenoord is a mid table team. I can't imagine City would be favored this highly over Ajax or PSV in Holland. This Dutch side won the damn league last year, with a +61 goal differential. To put that in perspective, I BELIEVE the only teams with greater GD's last year in Europes top leagues were Monaco, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid. That's pretty lofty company. They went undefeated at home last year with a +45 goal differential in 17 games (I'll let you do the math but that's pretty dominant). And they've started this season with 4 wins in a row already with a 12-3 goal difference. All that adds up to a very good squad. They are at home. City has more talent overall sure, but if you give me this squad and ask them to fight for the first 45 minutes and maybe come to half time with a 1-0 lead and I'm getting 5 1/2 to 1, I'm probably placing this bet every day.

I haven't delved too much into yet, as the game is tomorrow, but I do think I like Spurs quite a bit to get a win. I disagree that Spurs do not have a big enough squad as they've made a number of signings and as it's early in the season, they will not have to rotate much. Spurs have a problem that Alli is suspended, yes. But between the likes of Son, Erickson and if it's not August, you can expect Kane to score at least once. I think Spurs defense will be a tough nut to crack too.
Dortmund always play better at home, and they are also a team with issues with a number of first team players out with injuries, mainly Reus and Schurrle. Their expected midfield of Goetze, Sahin and Castro are not exactly world class in my eyes and Pulisic is severely overated. I don't know if they will get a goal against a very organized and disciplined Spurs team.
This is a difficult group and a win here would be massive for either side, but moreso for Spurs as it's a home game. I'd expect Dortmund to be happy with a draw with the number of players missing, and with this being the case, I'll definitely take a shot with Spurs.
I'll see if I can come up with any bets for today's matches, but I'm usually a horror show in CL play.

I'll tell you one thing, United should be very difficult to score against this year. And Matic is a great fit. A Mourinho favorite. A destroyer to play in front of the back four. Fit, tireless, big.
The Matic signing will also help in a number of other ancillary ways. First, should allow Pogba a lot more freedom to get forward and be a more dynamic offense force. If you have a midfield of Pogba, Herrera, Mkhitayrin and Matic, you have a great blend of offensive and defensive midfielders, as well as a lot of energy in the likes of Herrera. Further, if you look at that midfield you see the names Fellaini and Carrick not there. Fellaini is a dreg and just a waste of space. Carrick is a fine link between the defense and offense, a smart player, but he's lost almost any speed he had and needs plenty of rest between starts to be at his most effective.
The backline is decent enough. Bailly has the makings of a very good CB, and then you have the likes of Smalling, Lindeloff and maybe even Jones to rotate in. Long gone are the days of Rio and Vidic, but this central defense should be quite good all the same. The full backs are not at full strength, with long term injury concerns of Shaw and Rojo, but Valencia is still very good. Darmian, Jones (again) Ashley Young, maybe an Aurier signing should be good enough. And in goal you have DDG who is proving time and time again to be one of the best GK's in the world.
Now, I know preseason pseudo-tournaments are not necessarily a great measure of just about anything, but in the ICC tournament, United was decent enough. They didn't allow a goal to Man City, and were much the better side. I was at this match, and the score was not indicative of how much better they were. Now, that City lineup was sub optimal, and I'm not sure what Pep was thinking with his first half lineup, but the second half City still had nothing to offer. They drew Real Madrid 1-1, and the only goal they allowed there was a howler of a penalty by Lindeloff. And then they played a strong Barca side and only did allow a single goal, Barca had a number of more early chances, but as the game went on, I feel United was just as good.
United was terrific last year defensively and I think this year will be just as solid. I'd expect many, many unders unless they can find some goals from someone other than Lukaku (perhaps this is the year that Lingaard or Martial put it together to go with Rashford who is always seemingly dangerous).
I don't think United are the best team in the premier league, I think City still should be, and I do favor Spurs chances quite a bit even moving into the new stadium. But United should be in the mix for the first time in seemingly a good long while.

Allow me to make a case for Manchester United. I am a fan, and have not backed them in this match (yet).
Since Mourinho has taken over, they have yet to lose in a competitive match. Further, they have only allowed a single goal against. There has been an obvious emphasis on a more defensive posture - and attacking when the opportunity presents itself. Fellaini plays well more back in a holding mf role, and Mourinho really likes having Blind out there too. But, unlike LvG's United, they are allowed to get forward when they can, and Shaw and Valencia have been very good bombing forward. There is not as much sideways passing, rather there is an absorption of the opponents attack and then get the ball forward. This has been good.
But, let's face it their opponents have been weak. I don't think a single one of Leicester, Hull, Southampton or Bournemouth will quality for CL play next year, and further I'd be surprised if any factor in the top 8 in the league this year. I'm also a bit concerned with the play of Rooney, as well as the absences of Mkithayin and Rashford as both are superior options in my eyes as to what United has trotted out there so far.
That being said, this is a team coming into form. Everyone is available, and as this team familiarizes itself with one another, they definitely have a potent attack. Smalling has barely featured, I am quite optimistic about United's chances tomorrow. Mourinho has already stated this is a game he very much wants to win, so obviously a strong side will be fielded, but as it's early in the year, I'm not one to send in a big play on this game. Rather, I'll watch this one closely with a supporters eye. In my mind, a draw or United DNB is the right bet, but I would be just as happy to not make a punt and watch a United win. And trust me when I say I like money more than I like these over paid soccer players at Old Trafford. I do see quite a few opportunities to make some plays this weekend, but unless I can get a great price on a United win, I'll just sit on the sidelines here,

Well, that's the thing. Come October when injuries/fitness start hitting, this Hull side will be easy pickings. Not an issue starting the season strong when you have 11, but very difficult completing the season with just 11.

I'll give this a crack
1-ManUnited. Times are bright at OT for a big season. It seems Pogba is just about a done deal and this brings another dynamic player to a very deep team. with the likes of Zlatan, Martial, Rooney and Rashford in the attack, there is plenty to choose from. Mkityarin will hit the ground running and his brilliance will be on display on the biggest stage. Carrick back to playing the defensive midfielder really sures up the defensive posture and United add another athletic CB to pair up with Smalling. So much experience all over the field, and a very good mix of youth and experience. And still with one of the best GKs on the planet, if United able to get another 0.5 gpg or so, they should be just fine to win the title.
2-ManCity. Certainly no shortage of fire power in the attack. KdB, Sterling, Silva, Aguero, Bony all are dangerous - and plenty of depth in midfield and attack. Goals should not be the problem. I do see an issue in the back. Hart is in my eyes one of the most overrated GKs in the league (if not the world). And I think the once stout City defense has a lot of questions abound. Adding Stones would help, but I just see an aging, decaying defense - very similar to what Chelsea had last year which was severely exposed. I'm sure Pep will try to control the ball, but thats another issue in that City are just brilliant on the counter. YaYa and Silvas play has fallen off, I'm not sure the current City side pair well with what Pep has done in the past. We shall see.
3-Chelsea. Pretty evident that a change needed to be made after the disaster of last season and Conte just seems to be perfect. Their midfield just designed to run opponents ragged and you have to assume an improvement in form from Hazard will assist in the attack. Should be a lot of grinding games, I think opponents will very much dislike playing against the Blues this year.
4-Spurs. this is fully a team on the come, littered with young good players all over the pitch. Just look at all the impact players on the team over the age of 26. Vertonghen and Alderweild are 29 as is Lloris (but really that is a prime age for a gk). And that is it. Everyone else 26 or younger. Two issues keep me from picking this team higher. 1) Not quite as deep as the teams above them and with CL play this year, this could be an issue. Spurs oftentimes were vulnerable in years past after midweek games. 2) overreliance on one Harry Kane to get the key goal. They need to find more consistent scoring from a secondary source in my eyes.
5-Arsenal. I think Arsenal need to make a change. It seems forever they have been content to be good, not great, get into the top 4, take CL money and look for bargains in the transfer market. That formula worked well for years, but with the stupid money now available, Arsenal been too slow to adjust and I think this will be the year changes be made. Wenger a fine soccer mind, but Arsenal just not better than most of the best teams in England and Europe any more. They are just 'in the mix'. They will be decent enough again, but a 5-6 finish will not surprise me at all.
6-Liverpool. I'm not drinking the Klopp punch just yet. Central defense and GK's just not good enough. Attack may be fun if everyone is at full health, but I dont think Lallana and Milner are anywhere near the level of wingers that Dortmunds attack had in the past. I would be shocked if they finished top 4, I really think 6 is their peak.
7-Southampton. Liverpool feeder club still with talent but obviously lost quite a bit in the off season. At this point the teams from 6-12 or so are really interchangeable, so wouldnt surprise me to see Southampton at 7th or 12th, I'll give them the benefit of doubt based on talent alone.
8-Leicester City. Shame that the team already lost a few key players and very well may lose Mahrez too. It would have been fun to see if it really were the worlds largest ever fluke or this gutty squad could come close to replicating results. Thin roster, increase of high leverage matches, I just cant see Leicester coming close to the lofty goals of last year. Ill put them this high in hope, but wouldn't surprise me to see a 15th place finish simply due to attrition
9-Everton. Mundane table position for a middling club. Not much to be excited for here in my eyes. Defense and goal is relatively weak and loss of Stones wouldn't help. Barkley, Lukaku, Deulofeu, a few nice young pieces surrounded by mostly dreck and guys well past their prime.
10-West Ham. I want to put the Hammers higher, but I just dont see it. Defense isnt very good and Cresswell already injured. I think Payet is pretty discontent and wants to play for a bigger club. Most of the guys on this club are in the sweet spot of 25-29 years old, but they are just shy of having the talent of playing for the best clubs, and not bad enough to be key contributors to lesser clubs. so 10th seems just about right for them
11-Swansea. Don't see enough goals out of them to push much higher than this. Don't see enough weakness to have them in danger of dropping. 11-15 range for Swans seems right, although I could see them even further back with an injury or two as this team is not all that deep.
12-Crystal Palace. Defense is okay, midfield is good....if they could only find a striker or two. We shall see how long Pardew sticks around, but on talent alone I think this team should have no issues staying above the drop and I'll fancy them for a surprise finish nearer to 10. Plus, you have to love the Palace fans, so keeping them around for years is a nice juxtaposition against the dullards in OT or the Emirates.
13-16 Middlesbrough/Stoke/Sunderland/Watford
At this point I'm running out of much positives to mention about each team so I'll just lump these 4 teams together as a whole bunch of meh. I think they will all steer clear of danger and make it another year.
17-West Bromwich. The never ending saga of Beranhio aside, this team still with just barely enough talent to stay up. An older lot, and surely more susceptible to injury, Lambert, Fletcher, Brunt, Morrison, Olsson all will probably be relied upon to be key performers, all on the wrong side of 30. Johnny Evans coming up on 30, just seems to me this team is a rag tag collection of mediocre players, but when they are all out there, they are professional, play hard and I do like TP as a manager. But, very easy for me to see an injury or 5 take this club apart and lend them in a very uncomfortable position around April of 2017.
18-20 Burnley, Bournemouth, Hull
These three should be relegated but will fight tooth and nail each week for points. I think Hull and Bournemouth I would tip for 19th and 20th, but I'll root a bit for Burnley to stay up. We shall see.

I've been biting my tongue the past few months, but all in all, I'd have to say I'm quite disappointed in the changes that have been made to the forum overall.
Mods, feel free to delete this post, but here is my point of view. It seems a decision has been made to make this forum more article oriented rather than a discussion board. Now, I get the reasons are more than likely economic/click oriented and I totally understand.
However, this is a forum, a discussion board, and while I certainly enjoy reading a well written article, it has just about killed any discussion on any given match.
This board used to be a fantastic resource for someone looking to discuss a particular match or to post some vital information that may have otherwise been overlooked. But now when I go into a game thread, I see links to articles, written by one person, with just one person's opinion, and very little has been offered outside of that. It seems to me that all discussion has been muted, which is a shame, because there are quite a few posters on here with very well thought out opinions - and even more posters with curious knowledge of some other teams that most of us are not quite familiar with.
(apologies for the poor grammar, I am American)
I have had quite a few issues with the forum itself (slow loads, passwords not being stored correctly between devices, and so on) that I could have probably overcome with a bit of effort on my end. However, the long and the short of it is, if I'm looking for a good thread about a particular game, a conversation, a discourse oftentimes between supporters (or punters) of either side, I used to come to this forum on a regular basis. Nowadays, I have sort different avenues.
I receive 20-30+ tweets on a daily basis for punting articles. I don't mind reading articles, but I find it does not lead to a collaborative effort. These are just notes from the peanut gallery, as I did enjoy to make the occasional post here, but I was a very avid reader of the forum. Good luck to all going forward. Your efforts have been appreciated. :cheers:

Re: Chelsea v Manchester United > Saturday April 18th
Yeah, those are massive misses for United - particularly Blind and Carrick. Carrick has been vital in setting up the interplay, the ball moving seamlessly from defense to offense. Blind is also good in this role, or in bring up the ball up the wing, overlapping with a midfielder, offering strong support on the ball.
Surmising from this, who will play cb with Smalling, Paddy McNair? And God forbid someone on the back gets injured - you are looking at fielding maybe Shaw who hasn't featured in months now, Valencia is a midfielder playing back (albeit with plenty of experience), Young will push back to cover for Mata who does not like covering all that much in his own end.
To me, I had a hard time seeing goals in this game to begin with - I keep thinking of the last match at OT and how tentative United was, how they had no offensive creativity. How Chelsea was pretty firmly in control and content with a single goal and so on.
Chelsea knows they have the title race well under wraps, and so long as they don't drop points, who's to catch them?
Chelsea last game out was pretty tame. Without Costa in the lineup they just knock it around, try to frustrate their opponents, but they lack any superior threat up top, and save a Robert Green howler, they would have drawn 0-0 last week. I haven't seen Chelsea really been hungry for goals in weeks and weeks now. 1 or 2 per game, and none allowed, and thank you.
As a United supporter I would hope for a win coming into this one, but now without Blind, Jones and Carrick that hope turns into a prayer. A draw seems a very likely result, as does under 2.5 goal for me.
g'luck